FBI director Christopher Wray, during a recent conference, clarified the FBI’s stance on potential threats to the US stemming from the Hamas attacks in Israel.
Quick Facts
- FBI Statement: The agency does not have “specific and credible intelligence indicating a threat to the United States stemming from the Hamas attacks in Israel”.
- Domestic Threats: Wray acknowledged a rise in domestic threats due to the “heightened environment” and emphasized the importance of shared intelligence.
- Condolences to Israel: Wray expressed deep condolences to the people of Israel and condemned the brutality and disregard for innocent lives.
Speaking at the International Association of Chiefs of Police conference in San Diego, Wray highlighted the historical prevalence of antisemitic and other forms of violent extremism. He stressed that targeting any community based on their faith is completely unacceptable, regardless of whether the threats come from foreign terrorist organizations, those inspired by them, or domestic violent extremists with racial motives.
Wray’s remarks on Saturday were not just limited to the current situation in Israel. He extended his “heartfelt condolences to the people of Israel” and expressed the collective outrage felt due to the sheer brutality and loss of innocent lives. He further emphasized the FBI’s commitment to confronting such threats, both within the United States and abroad.
According to a post on the FBI’s official website, while the agency did not identify any specific and credible intelligence indicating a threat, they are closely monitoring the events as they unfold. The FBI also mentioned their ongoing efforts to locate and identify Americans affected by the violence in Israel. It is believed that approximately two dozen US or dual US-Israeli citizens might be among the hundreds of individuals killed or missing following the recent Hamas attack.
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| The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is the domestic intelligence and security service of the United States. It serves as the nation’s prime federal law enforcement agency. The FBI’s primary mission includes protecting and defending the United States against terrorist and foreign intelligence threats, upholding and enforcing federal laws, and providing leadership and criminal justice services to federal, state, municipal, and international partners. |
Q&A
What was the main message of FBI director Christopher Wray’s remarks?
Wray clarified that the FBI does not have specific intelligence indicating a threat to the US from the Hamas attacks in Israel. He also acknowledged the rise in domestic threats and expressed condolences to the people of Israel.
How is the FBI responding to the situation in Israel?
The FBI is closely monitoring the events and is committed to confronting any related threats. They are also working to locate and identify Americans impacted by the violence in Israel.
Where did Wray deliver his remarks?
Wray spoke at the International Association of Chiefs of Police conference in San Diego.
Source: The Guardian